The Roy Moodley Legacy Cup: A new initiative for young football stars in KwaZulu-Natal
Image: Supplied
IN A move to empower the youth of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban businessman Roy Moodley has committed to nurturing budding football stars, believing that engagement in sports can deter young people from destructive paths.
Moodley will provide funding for a local Safa football tournament, which begins later this month, with a prize purse of around R60 000.
Speaking to Daily News, Moodley expressed his heartfelt conviction that sports played a crucial role in keeping young individuals fit, healthy, and focused.
'Sports keeps the kids out of the street and occupies them to stay clear from drugs and gangsterism. My aim is to encourage them to participate in sports and not engage in illegal activities,' he affirmed.
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Despite his recent attempt to acquire the status of the Royal AM football club, a pursuit that did not materialise, Moodley has redirected his focus towards community empowerment through sports.
Previously, he had invested substantial resources, and was poised to to spend R50 million to secure the club's status, as reported by Sportswire.
However, negotiations with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) faltered, leading him to abandon his attempt.
'I have abandoned that quest; I am now going to concentrate on empowering young people through sports,' he remarked.
Moodley also attempted to purchase the SuperSport United franchise that was up for sale more recently but the Minister of Sport's (Gayton McKenzie) son, Calvin Le John, was the successful bidder.
Unperturbed, the businessman shared his ambitious vision for the upcoming Roy Moodley Legacy Cup, aimed at fostering young leaders both on and off the football pitch.
'This tournament will not only showcase talent but will also aid in developing responsible, future leaders,' he outlined.
The inaugural Roy Moodley Legacy Cup is slated to take place later this month at Hoy Park, and promises to reward participants generously.
The winning team will receive R30,000 as prizemoney, while the runners-up will take home R15,000.
Additionally, the two semi-finalists will earn R5,000 and R1,200, respectively.
Moodley, a well-established entrepreneur at the age of 71, is the founder of Royal Security, which has grown to become one of the largest private-sector safety and security companies in KwaZulu-Natal.
Apart from his sports contributions, he has also made a name for himself as a racehorse owner and breeder, which underscored his diverse business interests and commitment to community development.
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